Its kinda getting old……

The Wonder Woman origin film could be tricky.

Connecting the Dots

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Not even the illustrious Chris McQuarrie could pen an intriguing mystery thriller, such as the goings-on in the halls of Warner Brothers. Yet apparently, that is exactly what appear to be taking place at the fame studio conference and board rooms. Not to mention, two hugely important camps of Warner’s two major franchises. Question: “What exactly is going on over there?“ Well have no fear, VillainWatch is here. We will provide some possible answers, to what appeared to be skepticism and indecision, on behalf of the movers and shakers at Warner, for a sequel to our favorite Man of Steel and the launching of the World Finest Heroes.

We have been following developments to the sequel of “Superman Returns” intensely for well over a year. From conversation with sources and insiders, to trade shows and press conferences; attempting to separating fact from fiction, filtering through rumors and speculation, with any tangible evidence. Needless to say, finding answers has not been easy. It is like playing a mega version of “Connect the Dots” without the numbers to guide the way. Every time we think a picture is beginning to formulate, the alignment of the dots dictates otherwise. We compiled three central issues to formulate an image of what is taking place at Warner Brothers… feasibility, the Nolan Effect, and an undisclosed script.

We hear, Christopher Nolan is scheduled to visit Warner late this month for a second time. Wait! When was the first? Sources say, Nolan indeed made a brief visit to the Warner offices in late February. Conventional thinking would say the meeting most likely dealt with The Dark Knight coming release and/or marketing, maybe about Heath Ledger, and/or the future of the franchise. However, trusted souls believe the contrary. Apparently, the meeting has more to do with Warner attempt to assure Mr. Nolan of his collaboration and vision with the use of Batman and actor Christen Bale, in an ensemble film featuring members of the Justice League. Nolan in the pass has express his displeasure with the idea, commenting, “My version of Batman is not suitable for what they(WB) are trying to accomplish over there. We have establish an identity in realism that works best in its own reality.” Much seems to hinge on Warner’s attempt to calm Nolan’s fears and bring him onboard with the concept of Batman with Justice League.

Warner Brothers has always had designs for bringing its classic comic superheroes to the silver screen. First by reinventing Superman and Batman, than introducing Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Flash to the silver screen. Of course only Batman was reinvented. Superman turned out to be just a continuum of the late 70’s, while Aquaman was demoted to the small screen and fail to survive the pilot. Meanwhile, Wonder Woman and Flash is mired in endless development; and now, you could possibly add Green Lantern to the endless cycle. Warner could essentially do as it will; but feel, things work much more harmonic, when everyone reaches a consensus.

What undoubtedly has happened, both films Batman Begins($371 mil WW) and Superman Returns($391 mil WW) failed to reach Warner’s box office expectation. Superman Returns(exp $500 mil) much more so than Batman Begins(exp $400 mil). As so it goes, Batman is the more stable franchise of the two… hence Nolan’s desire to keep it that way. With the anticipated release of the Dark Knight now months away, Warner’s expectation for the film is to break the $425 million mark world-wide. Some say as high as $450 million, based off the huge following of Ledger fans. It has always been understood that Robin will never grace the screen alongside the cape crusader. A brief thought was to introduce Robin as the lead in a Teen Titans film. Although that idea lasted about as long as a shooting star, it gave rebirth to the idea of a film featuring Superman and Batman together; which had been considered before. This time, there is a major difference… along side the Justice League of America.

The popular ensemble would allow Warner Brothers to have its biggest icons, Superman and Batman grace the big screen together. Also allowing Warner to introduce other noticeable superhero characters that could later branch off into solo projects of their own, while doing product tie-ins and toy marketing… all under one budget, one film. Brilliant idea, but is it feasible? Yes, in my opinion; but who am I. However, the major pitfall has always been, under what continuity.

The Studio Chiefs wants the film to somehow fit the continuity establish by Nolan and Singer, and their respective franchises. The problem is their respective franchises have completely different themes and moving in separate paths. The animosity from both the Nolan and Singer camps with Warner Execs and the Studio Chiefs, has created the sense of a mini civil war amongst all involved.

The Nolan Camp has publicly expressed their concern that their vision of the Dark Knight will become watered down and Nolan himself has hinted he may not return for a third film. The Singer Camp resentment come from Studio encouraging the direction they wish the sequel to follow over the objection of Singer’s vision to follow-up “Superman Returns”; which he had previously outlined, his plan for the series, upon taking the chair as director of the franchise. Singer feels he’s losing creative control to the Studio and the higher ups.

Warner’s Execs wants a ensemble film solely to help launch other solo projects that are currently struggling to get off the ground. They are solely concern about monetary returns and the strength of the company. Mainly because investors are becoming a little skittish about funding these other projects, with writers being dubious as to what direction or continuity to follow, prospective director concerns with control and casting, and the pending Actors strike that looms in the future. Add to the fact, the top brass box office expectation for the Dark Knight may be a determining factor for budgeting these projects as well… so the plot thickens.

The Studio is content to keep Nolan and Singer onboard their perspective franchises along with their star actors reprising their roles; but divisions amongst the chief members of the Studio itself leaves a minority to unquestionably feel that both Bale and Routh should also reprise their roles in an ensemble film. Others are more willing to go another route, if need be, to achieve the film, hence the Mulroney‘s script. Although insiders say the majority are not really fond of the Mulroney’s script; they find it the most durable, in satisfying the Execs desire to launch the film.

The minority on the other hand, find solace in an undisclosed script, possibly written by a former writer from D.C. Comics. The script allows Bale and Routh to reprise their roles in the film and follow the same continuity the franchises has already established. Also, it has a subtle tie-in to Singer’s sequel that is to be reveal as a huge cliffhanger and plays out in the proposed JLA film. Sources say Singer appear to be more open to the idea; provided, it does not conflict with the integrity of his vision for the sequel. However, the Studio feel the script is too epic to push forward and estimates it would cost well over $250 million. A far cry and less feasible than its current budget, estimated to be anywhere between $145-$170 million. If the Studio can lobby the Australian Government for huge tax incentives and benefits, insiders say expect the Studio to drop the Mulroney script for this undisclosed script. Even so, the Studio still face issues from the Nolan Camp.

The story center around an ensemble of superheroes uniting around Superman’s attempt to prevent a major threat to himself and Earth very existence. A battered Superman is at odds with Batman on the best course of action in handling this threat. Surprisingly, Superman’s approach is what dividing the newly formed team, and much to Batman‘s dislike, a surprising ally. The team has to find a way to unite under one banner, if there is any hope at repelling this threat to earth. The story follows Singer’s adaptation of Superman’s pilgrimage back to the remnants of his ancestral planet Krypton. Unknowingly, he is spotted by a scout, whom recognize the symbol on the ship, and follows Superman to Earth. The cliffhanger is the arrival of a Conquer and his armada, to Earth.

There is a feeling that this story will encompass the essence of Nolan’s dark, solitary, persona of Batman, in hopes that it would entice Nolan’s resolve for the film. Sources are not convince Nolan will ever consent to the ideal of the project. Chances are Nolan may follow his predecessor Burton, if pushed and leave the franchise, if the studio force Bale‘s option against a third installment of Batman, for an ensemble film. Bale, who has an option-out clause, may leave as well, out of loyalty to Nolan. Hopefully, things wont get that far, and we don’t think it will. However, there are solid division amongst the camps, as Warner tries to navigate through the many landmines.

As for Singer’s follow up to Superman’s Return… it will happen despite popular belief to the contrary. The project is simply waiting to be budgeted, and production schedules, locations, and release date to be assigned.

Sadly, the feeling at the moment, Justice League is most likely on hiatus, George Miller may be out as director of JLA, and Australian incentives probably wont happen… which is easily seen as Miller’s attempt to stay attached to the project. With Nolan’s visit with Warner Studio, certainly events could change in the coming weeks, leading up to his July release of The Dark Knight. Until then, we will be watching.

A JLA film is a great idea.

A fricken zombie has more life in it than this concept. .

big f-in shock. couldn’t've happened to a worse concept of a great franchise

I would like to see a Green Lantern epic movie. A super alien lifeform comes to Earth seeking the most honest pure human to represent the power of the green lantern.
(Place cool actor here).

That would be cool.

Jimmy the C , what the f are you talking about??????

Yeah, DC basically has two superheroes, and one of them is basically James Bond with a cowl. So what do we want? Another guy with no powers and oh yeah, a, what did they call them in the 50′s? Sidekicks?

Yes, cliffhanger endings would be great. I suppose you have to know the next movie is coming, but if they did, to do a series that followed into each other would have us quivering with excitement for the next one.

I’d love the movies to be made more for the fans than to attract people and their money.

One thing I would like to reccomend to all the superhero movie writters out there.

More cliffhanger endings.
This would be more consistant with the way comics are written.

Do you realy want to live forever? Forever young,, I want to be forever……..:-)

I’ve gotta get out of the house. I hate that song.

Oh, we could be watching superhero movies for the rest of our lives! Sweet.